Bitcoin.com integrates USDU, a US dollar-backed stablecoin registered with the UAE central bank, into its self-custodial web and mobile wallet.
The South Korean won strengthened slightly against the US dollar on August 18, reaching its highest level since October 2, 2023, due to reduced expectations of a September Federal Reserve rate hike following softer-than-expected US inflation data.
Strategy raised $333.7M through common stock sales (Aug 10-16), used proceeds for dividends, debt, and reserves, but made no new Bitcoin purchases, keeping its BTC holdings at 840,447.
The South Korean won slightly appreciated to 1,415.7 per USD on Aug 12, driven by exporters selling dollars ahead of US inflation data, despite limited gains due to US-Iran military tensions.
Strategy sold 1,690 Bitcoin for $108.6 million between Aug. 3 and Aug. 9 to repurchase 1.15 million shares of its STRC preferred stock, marking its fourth disclosed Bitcoin sale of 2026.
Indonesia's rupiah has hit historic lows worse than the 1998 Asian financial crisis, driven by domestic policy concerns and global pressures. The depreciation is crushing small businesses, increasing living costs, and driving a surge in online debt.
Hong Kong's four-decade-old dollar peg faces review calls as an industry association urges shifting to the yuan or a basket of major currencies and gold.
The South Korean won reached a 10-month high of 1,414.5 won per USD on August 6, driven by falling global oil prices and anticipated US-Japan market interventions to support the Japanese yen.
Western Union partnered with Rain to launch Stablecard, a digital wallet and Visa card allowing users in 37 markets to hold and spend USDPT, a US dollar-backed stablecoin issued on the Solana blockchain.
A rare US-Japan joint intervention to stabilise the yen has temporarily boosted relations, but the durability of this goodwill hinges on the currency's ability to withstand mounting market and policy pressures.
The Japanese yen surged to a two-month high after a rare joint currency intervention by Tokyo and Washington, following its drop to a 40-year low. US President Donald Trump called the move a "signal of friendship," with analysts noting Japan's favorable window and US aims to limit Treasury selling pressure.
The Japanese yen reached a three-month high against the US dollar after Japan and the US conducted a rare joint currency intervention to support the yen, which had weakened to a 40-year low. Both nations confirmed further action if needed, while analysts offer mixed views on the long-term impact.
The U.S. dollar sharply weakened against the Japanese yen on Monday, dropping about 1% to 156.34 yen, after U.S. President Donald Trump and Japan’s finance minister confirmed market intervention. This follows a previous suspected intervention that saw the dollar fall below 160 yen from 40-year highs above 163 yen.
KB Kookmin Bank to introduce blockchain-based cross-border payment service via JPMorgan's Kinexys network in August, initially supporting USD transfers across 10 countries.
The Indian rupee gained 0.1% against the US dollar on Thursday, opening at 96.49, despite facing pressure from rising crude oil prices. Traders expect continued strain, with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) intervention anticipated to limit sharper losses. Geopolitical tensions are driving oil prices higher, offsetting previous RBI measures.
Chinese developers' success in AI architectural innovation is seen by some analysts as potentially weakening the rationale for vast US spending on AI infrastructure, challenging US dominance in frontier models and computing hardware.
The Iranian rial reached a record low of 1.941 million against the US dollar in Tehran's free market, marking a 43.7% loss year-to-date. This depreciation is driven by escalating military and political tensions, including US and Israeli airstrikes and a naval blockade, fueling concerns over accelerating inflation, which hit 88.6% last month.
The Indian Rupee depreciated 39 paise against the US dollar, opening at 95.72 and falling to 95.77 due to soaring crude oil prices and escalating Middle East tensions. Concerns over global crude supply disruptions, fueled by Iran's actions in the Strait of Hormuz, dampened market sentiment.
An IMF paper suggests stablecoins can improve foreign currency access in fixed exchange rate economies but may amplify currency runs during crises, prompting calls for transaction limits.
Bitcoin (BTC) approached new July highs, trading above $64,000 on Friday. Hopes for a US-Iran peace deal kept oil prices lower, while the US dollar index (DXY) saw a third consecutive day of decline. Analysts note $65,000 as crucial resistance for BTC.
Kraken Co-CEO Arjun Sethi highlighted Hong Kong's century-long role as an international business gateway, now being reshaped by stablecoins and blockchain into a 24/7 liquidity hub. Payward's recent US$600M acquisition of Reap Technologies signals expansion into Asia via Hong Kong.
In 2025, nearly one million people worldwide joined the ranks of US dollar millionaires, with the US leading in absolute numbers. Eastern European countries, particularly Lithuania, saw the fastest percentage growth in new millionaires.
The Indian Rupee opened weaker against the US dollar on Wednesday, trading at 95.15 and falling to 95.16. This decline is attributed to rising crude oil prices and a strengthening US dollar following fresh military actions involving the US and Iran. A weak opening in domestic stock markets also contributed to the currency's dip.
The Indian Rupee strengthened by 15 paise against the US dollar on Tuesday, opening at 95.33 and reaching 95.28. This rise was attributed to lower crude oil price expectations, particularly Saudi Arabia's significant price cut for Asian buyers, and reduced Middle East risk premium.
